Lee Tankle J.D. '13 Receives George Wythe Award
Outstanding Service Lee Tankle J.D. '13 received the George Wythe Award, which is given in recognition of outstanding service by a member of the student body. Dean Douglas presented the award. Photo by Odd Moxie Photography
Lee Tankle J.D. '13 received the George Wythe Award at the Law School's Diploma Ceremony on May 12. The honor is given by the Law School in recognition of outstanding service by a member of the student body.
George Wythe was one of the most remarkable lawyers of the 18th century, mentor to Thomas Jefferson, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was this nation's - and William & Mary's - first professor of law.
Tankle served as the 2012-13 president of the Student Bar Association (SBA) and was "a particularly effective leader," according to Law School Dean Davison M. Douglas, who presented the award. "His leadership is widely recognized and deeply appreciated." The Dean's Office makes the final choice of the recipient from among nominations received from the student body. Douglas read what several nominators had to say about Tankle.
"Lee has dedicated himself completely to the Law School over the past three years," wrote one nominator. "He is involved in every event and function, and is always willing to help any member of the community. No one has done more for this law school community than Lee Tankle."
Another wrote: "Lee has character; he has been a great leader; and he selflessly works on behalf of all the students."
One lauded Tankle for his selfless service: "Lee has tirelessly worked to change our law school for the better. He constantly put his SBA duties first. I found it impressive that he never asked for recognition. He served his law school, because he truly loves it."
Tankle is a summa cum laude graduate of Dickinson College, where he majored in law and policy and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. In addition to his SBA responsibilities, Tankle served as notes editor for the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal. His student note was published in Volume 21. Originally from Huntington Valley, Pa., near Philadelphia, he will move to Harrisburg, Pa., after he takes the bar exam to practice labor and employment law at McNees Wallace & Nurick.